100 Years Ago: Poster for Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

The Intelligencer March 21, 1917 (page 6)

“Help the NAVY Win the War—It needs more men, Get overseas at once by joining the overseas division of The Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve and serve in the victorious fleet. Experience not necessary. Canadians on joining are sent to England at once for training.

Candidates must be sons of natural born British subjects—Ages 18 to 38.

Experienced men from 18 to 45 may enlist for service in the Canadian Naval Patrols to guard Canadian Coasts. For particulars apply to: Commodore Aemilius Jarvis.”

100 Years Ago: Madoc Recruiting Meetings, West Belleville War Workers Organize, Ad for Oxo, Ad for Wrigley’s

The Intelligencer March 19, 1917 (page 1)

“Lt.-Col. A. P. Allen, Q.C., the 254th Battalion, and the splendid battalion band returned this morning from Madoc, where they held two very successful recruiting meetings on Saturday and Sunday evenings, in the Armouries in that village. Major Campbell, Chief Recruiting Officer, was the principal speaker on both occasions. The Armouries were crowded to the doors at each meeting.”

The Intelligencer March 19, 1917 (page 2)

“The ladies of West Belleville last week assembled for the purpose of organizing a band of war workers. A goodly number were present and proceeded with organization and the election of the following officers: Honorary President.—Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Anderson. President.—Mrs. McMullen. 1st Vice President.—Mrs. A. E. Wrightmeyer. Secretary.—Mrs. J. S. Hearst.  Assistant Secretary.—Mrs. W. A. Woodley. Treasurer.—Mrs. Lucas. Convenor of Sewing.—Mrs. Grose. Assistant Convenor of Sewing.—Miss Herity. …

As this is an important branch of the Women’s Red Cross, we extend a cordial and felicitous invitation to all the ladies in West Belleville to attend and become members at our next meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, March 20th at 2 p.m. at Queen Mary School. Any person having a sewing machine and table which they would kindly loan for our work would be very acceptable.”

The Intelligencer March 19, 1917 (page 2)

“Oxo Cubes in France. The following is an interesting letter received from France:—’You must already know how widely OXO CUBES are used and how sincerely they are appreciated wherever the British Army is to be found fighting for the Empire, but I feel sure it will interest you to learn that both during the ‘great push’ on the Somme, and now, when we are nightly worrying the Hun with raids, I make it an invariable rule to make an issue of hot OXO to the men before they ‘pop the parapet.’ …

Be sure to send OXO cubes. Tins of 4, 10, 50 and 100 Cubes.”

The Intelligencer March 19, 1917 (page 4)

“Hurrah! Here’s relief from thirst; here’s fresh vigour for the boys at the Front and workers at home! Wrigley’s Soothes, refreshes, and sustains through weary hours of suspense and struggle. …

After every meal and in the long watch, it cheers thousands every day. A boon to smokers. Send some packets or a box to your soldier lad.”

100 Years Ago: Ad for War Loan, Poster for Farm Service

The Intelligencer March 17, 1917 (page 5)

“The Boys at the Front Are Asking—’What Are They Doing at Home?’ Are you putting your spare funds into the New War Loan? Have you money that is just lying idle, or at low interest? Your country needs your money, but is able to pay it back with good interest to you. Do what you can to Help the Empire Win the War and Back up the Boys who are Fighting for you at the Front.

All Financial men agree this Third War Loan is a most attractive issue. Whether you can subscribe a hundred or a thousand dollars send in your application.

John Stark & Co., Toronto.”

The Intelligencer March 17, 1917 (page 5)

“Comrades! If you cannot carry a rifle, you can serve your country on the farm. ‘The plow is our hope,’ declared Right Hon. David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Help the farmer increase production. BOYS. Decide now to help in the war. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18, and have good term record, you can secure promotion at school by enlisting for farm service any time between April 20th and May 20th.

MEN. The Department appeals to retired farmers, to men following no occupation (retired), to business men who can spare at least a portion of their time, to all men who can arrange their affairs so as to help some farmer. Every man is invited to enlist for farm service.

Ontario Department of Agriculture.”

100 Years Ago: Corporal E.A. Carr Returns, Corrections to Arena Benefit Report

The Intelligencer March 14, 1917 (page 1)

“Reception to Returned Hero. The officers and members of Benjamin Lodge, L.O.L. No. 274, entertained a returned hero, one of its own members in the person of Brother Corporal E. A. Carr of the 1st Battery, 1st Brigade, C. F. A. A large number of the members and visiting brethren were present. After the business of the lodge had been concluded the W. M., Bro. C. Johnson in a short address made known the reason of the gathering and in the name of the brethren welcomed Bro. Carr home, telling how proud the lodge was to have among its numbers a man, who from August, 1914, down to the present had done his duty to King and Country, so nobly and well.

Short addresses were made by Bros. Arthur McGinnis, A. R. Walker, W. C. Mikel, F. M. Clarke, W. C. Reid, John Harris and others and Bro. Carr briefly and modestly replied.

A bounteous repast had been provided and the brethren spent a pleasant hour in song and story and the meeting was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.”

The Intelligencer March 14, 1917 (page 2)

“Letters to the Editor. An Error. Dear Sir:— In Tuesday’s issue of The Intelligencer an error was made in your report of the ‘Skating Festival’ held at the Arena on Monday night, under the auspices of the 254th Battalion Band. The musical numbers were furnished entirely by two sections of the 254th Band, one section playing at each end of the rink, the 15th Band taking no part in the programme whatever.

Mention was also made that the entire proceeds went to the 254th Band, which was also an error. The receipts were divided equally between the band and the Rink management. Trusting you will make these corrections. Respectfully yours, Member 254th Band”

100 Years Ago: 254th Battalion Benefit at Rink, Small Subscriptions Wanted for War Loan, Many Citizens View Film Canadian Army in Action

The Intelligencer March 13, 1917 (page 2)

“254th Benefit at Rink. One of the largest crowds of the season were present at the Arena last evening, the proceeds of which went to the 254th Battalion Band. An attraction which brought out many of the skaters was the presence of two bands, the 15th Regimental Band and the 254th Band, continuous music being discoursed throughout the evening, there being twenty bands. The former band was seated in the west end of the rink, the 254th Band was placed in the reserved seat portion of the arena.

The ice was in fairly good condition considering the lateness of the season, although it became considerably cut up by the tenth band, when it was necessary to clean off the heavy slush.”

The Intelligencer March 13, 1917 (page 4)

“Want Small Subscriptions. Small subscriptions are an important factor in the success of our war financing. …  Our banks have much to do in financing war orders placed here and in carrying the increasing volume of agricultural and industrial production. Financial and other corporations will subscribe liberally to the coming war loan, but it is absolutely necessary that many thousands of subscriptions ranging from $100 to $5,000 should be received in order to make the loan a real success.

Dominion war loan bonds are one of the world’s best investments and have a patriotic flavor. A subscription to our war loans is not a sacrifice. It is a duty, and incidentally it remunerates the subscriber handsomely. …

There are many thousands of people who have from $100 to $5,000 for investment. Their duty is to lend this money to their country. The security of the war bond is excellent, the income yield is high and the bonds are readily saleable at any time, should the holder desire to sell.”

The Intelligencer March 13, 1917 (page 6)

“Life at the Front Is Seen Just as the Men Experience It. Impressive beyond words are the views of the Canadian Army in Action, as shown yesterday afternoon and last evening to large audiences at Griffin’s Opera House, this city, and never were Belleville citizens moved to higher admiration for the men of Canada and the work they are doing at the front, than when they saw in actual reality the men engaged in the daily heroism and labor of the war zone. …  Every boy who left Canada with the freshness and immaturity of youth upon him, is seen as a man, expert in every line of action, and whether that be handling shells, unloading the provision trains, scaling the parapet or deftly giving first-aid, the impression is always the same—here are experts and they are our boys, and boys whom the whole world might well be proud.

Another very strong feeling that takes possession of the spectator as the scenes come to one from the canvas, is the paradoxical idea of the humanity of the men and the inhumanity of the things upon which their whole energies are bent. …  Every man is using muscle and sinew to the straining point, but the motive is determination to win and to die if necessary in doing it.”

 

100 Years Ago: Khaki Club Bids Farewell to 235th Battalion, David Ketcheson Is Improving, Ads for War Loan, Poster for Canadian Army in Action

The Intelligencer March 12, 1917 (page 2)

“On Saturday, March 3rd, the men of the 235th Battalion were given a farewell evening, at the Khaki Club. The musical programme was in charge of the Misses Grant assisted by Miss Aileen Jenkins. Bright songs and choruses were sung and the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The officials of the Club provided and served the refreshments.

A splendid spirit of cheerfulness prevailed even though many a heart was sad; sincere regrets were expressed on all sides at having to say good-bye. The 235th Battalion will not be forgotten in Belleville, a finer, better behaved lot of men have never been in town. The singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘God Save The King’ brought the evening to a close at eleven o’clock.”

The Intelligencer March 12. 1917 (page 2)

“Mayor Ketcheson yesterday received the following telegram in reference to his son, Lieut. D. V. Ketcheson, who was recently wounded whilst doing his bit. The many friends of the popular Lieut. will be pleased to learn that he is no longer dangerously ill.

Ottawa, March 10, 1917. H. F. Ketcheson, 231 Albert Street, Belleville, Ont. Cable received today states Lieut. David Vanderwater Ketcheson, Infantry, officially reported no longer dangerously ill, March 9th, General Hospital, Gunshot wound, right arm and back.”

The Intelligencer March 12, 1917 (page 5)

“War Loan Dominion of Canada. Issue of $150,000,000 5% Bonds Maturing 1st March, 1937. Department of Finance, Ottawa.

The New War Loan. A Safe and Attractive Investment. Lend Your Money to Your Country. John Stark & Co. Toronto.

War Loan. The present loan, having regard to its object, its yield, its period and its wide market, makes an irresistible appeal to the pride, the patriotism and the business instinct of all Canadians. A. E. Ames & Co. Toronto.

A Call to Lend! You get 5.40 per Annum. Wood, Gundy & Co. Toronto.”

The Intelligencer March 12, 1917 (page 6)

“The Canadian Army in Action and the Advance of the Tanks. The Behemoth of Modern Battles, The British Tank, Has Revolutionized Man’s Conception of War on Land. To-day and To-morrow. Matinee and Night. Two Matinee Performances. To-morrow, 2.30.

School Children’s Matinee 4.30. Admission for Children 10¢. Two Performances Nightly—7.45 and 9.00. Will be presented the official film of the Canadian War Record Office, showing the Canadian Army in Action in France, and the Advance of the Tanks as photographed for motion pictures September 15 and 16, 1916, at the Battle of Courcelette, and issued by authority to the people of Canada as a record of the bravery of her soldiers and a tribute to their glory.

Under the Auspices of The Belleville Intelligencer. Griffin’s Theatre.”

 

 

 

 

100 Years Ago: Poster for a Vegetable Garden for Every Home, Canadian War Contingent Association

The Intelligencer March 10, 1917 (page 5)

“To City, Town and Village Dwellers in Ontario. What these boys do, you can do. Several hundred dollars worth of vegetables was the splendid contribution of the Broadview Y.M.C.A. boys of Toronto towards increase of food production last season. No wonder the boys proudly fly the British flag in their ‘Garden City’ and win fine compliments from everyone.

No army could fight very long on an empty stomach. Plentiful supplies of food must reach our heroes in France every day. Besides, there is all Canada to feed, and Great Britain depends largely upon us too. …  Boys, girls, grown-ups—everyone should help. Let the slogan for 1917 be ‘A vegetable garden for every home.’

Write for Poultry Bulletin—The high prices for eggs make a flock of poultry well worth while. They are not expensive to keep. In the average home the waste from the table is sufficient. …  Ontario Department of Agriculture.”

The Intelligencer March 10, 1917 (page 8)

“Canadian War Contingent Association. 56 Church Street, Toronto, March 8, 1917. Miss Falkiner, 62 West Bridge Street, Belleville, Ont. Dear Miss Falkiner: I have heard that you have formed a branch of the Canadian War Contingent Association in Belleville, and I write to tell you how glad I am to hear of this and to ask whether I can give you any assistance.

We had a cable from Mr. Colmer last week saying that the need of woollen comforts is urgent, especially socks, and that there are only one hundred and fifteen cases on the way to him, which, of course, will not go very far amongst the thousands of men at the front, but the chief need of the War Contingent is money, and I think it would be a good thing if you tried to get the men of the place interested as well as the ladies, and then you would stand more of a chance of getting cash subscriptions.

I should like the names of your officers. Yours sincerely, Adelaide A. Plumptree (sigd.) Secretary.

The head office of the Canadian War Contingent Association is at the Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street, London, England. The Belleville branch C. W. C. A., 62 West Bridge St., continues to ship all consignments directly to the head office at the above address.”

100 Years Ago: Poster for Canadian Army Film, Maynooth Soldier Charles Ries Dies, 500 Children See Canada in Khaki Film

The Intelligencer March 9, 1917 (page 6)

 

“Jule and Jay J. Allen Present — The Canadian Army in Action and the Advance of the Tanks. Official Moving Pictures of The Battle of Courcelette. Monday and Tuesday, March 12th and 13th. Prices—Matinee and Night—Children 15¢; Adults 25¢.

‘I hope that the greatest success will attend the efforts of those who have organized this means of spreading throughout Canada news of the progress of this great war.’—The King of England.”

The Intelligencer March 9, 1917 (page 7)

“Returned Soldier Dies. The Bancroft Times has the following item in reference to the death of a member of the 80th Battalion who returned home. The death took place in the Peever Settlement on March 5th of Charles H. Reiss, who arrived home only about two weeks ago from overseas. The deceased enlisted in the 80th Battalion and served for over a year in the trenches.

He was wounded and appears to have been discharged from the hospital while still in a very weak condition. When he landed at Maynooth it is alleged he could not get anyone to drive him home. He had to walk a distance of seven or eight miles and the effort was too much for him. He contracted a severe cold which developed into pneumonia and caused his death.”

[Note: Private Charles Ries died on March 4, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 316 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer March 9, 1917 (page 7)

“About 500 school children witnessed the presentation of the Canada in Khaki film at Griffin’s yesterday afternoon. During the performance the children sang several patriotic songs and showed their hearty approval of the pictures in a general way.”

100 Years Ago: Private Harvey Smith Wounded

The Intelligencer March 8, 1917 (page 2)

“Mrs. Harvey Smith, residing at 36 ½ Church street, in this city, yesterday received a telegram from the Record Office, Ottawa, conveying the intelligence that her husband, Pte. Harvey Smith, was wounded on February 24th.

Pte. Smith enlisted and went overseas with the 155th Battalion, but was transferred to the 4th Mounted Rifles. The many friends of the unfortunate soldier will hope that his injuries are not of a serious nature.”

100 Years Ago: I.O.D.E. Tea Room on Front Street, Frankford Detachment Moves to Belleville

The Intelligencer March 7, 1917 (page 2)

“The ladies of Quinte Chapter, I. O. D. E. of this city, have opened up a tea room in the store formerly occupied by Mr. W. B. Riggs on Front street, the object of which is to secure means for Red Cross Work. Mr. Riggs kindly allowed the ladies the use of the store premises, which privilege is much appreciated by him.

A representative of the Intelligencer visited the tea room, and was enchanted with the artistic arrangement of the room, which arrangement was under the supervision of Mrs. S. D. Lazier and Miss Clark. They would feel quite elated, I am sure, to hear the many complimentary remarks made about their artistic ability. They have a victrola, too, kindly loaned by the Lindsay Co., who are always so generous, rendering sweet music while you sip your delicious cup of tea, served in such a dainty manner by the different ladies of the Chapter each day. On Thursday they expect to have home-made cooking for sale.

On display they have a beautiful lunch cloth, beautifully worked, donated by Mrs. W. N. Perry. They have also on view a very pretty picture, painted and donated by Mrs. Geo. Stewart of this city, which is an artistic piece of work. All who visit the tea room will be amply repaid after they have partaken of the good things provided by the ladies, as well as doing your bit to help swell the funds which will be used for Red Cross Work, also encouraging the ladies in their undertaking.”

The Intelligencer March 7, 1917 (page 7)

“A meeting of all the officers of the 254th Battalion, is to be held at the Battalion’s Headquarters in the Armouries to-morrow evening. The men of the Frankford detachment of the 254th Battalion, have been called into Belleville, and will be attached to the local company. Recruiting for the 254th Battalion is very slow at present. The officers believe this state of affairs is due to the recent heavy snow, which hinders the recruiting officers in their work.”